Movies News Talk

Star Trek Voyager: 'The Killing Game' Gave Harry Kim Depth

Why Did “The Killing Game” Make Writers Appreciate Harry Kim?

For many, Ensign Kim (played by Garrett Wang , part of the main Star Trek Voyager cast, was an often maligned character throughout the series, usually because his personality was bland, sometimes even blandly optimistic. The writers, Joe Menosky and Brannon Braga were responsible for several key storylines for the series, including "The Killing Game". This particular two-parter in Voyager Season 4 brought forth an intense battle - where the Hirogen commandeered the ship. Harry became the target for the villains of this episode and was tortured - with a grueling scene where Harry found himself as the Hirogen's grunt worker - a very distinct experience compared to his typical Star Trek Voyager storyline.

In this moment - it wasn't just that Harry Kim was getting beaten and attacked - it was as if his personality shifted in that moment. He was forced to confront that abuse and, perhaps even more so, be a force that allowed his compatriots (the rest of the crew) to fight back - the ultimate irony. As Joe Menosky mentioned, he ended up being belted around by those who sought to torment him - it showed just how dark Harry Kim could be - which is one of the things that forced Joe Menosky and Brannon Braga to re-assess his position in the series.

Is The Killing Game Part Of Star Trek Voyager?

Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) from Star Trek: Voyager with the Voyager season 3 cast in the background. Image

The Killing Game, is a very notable storyline, specifically those episodes: "Parts 1 & 2" and it takes place within the realm of Star Trek Voyager's canon, particularly Voyager Season 4, a popular season amongst those who have watched the series. The show has a very distinctive and unique chronology of events - each episode builds on the previous, so Star Trek Voyager episodes tend to create a greater, expanded, narrative and, ultimately, become more important as fans get to experience each event.

In many ways, the two episodes known as "The Killing Game, Parts 1 & 2" are essential as it emphasizes that "intense and dramatic arc" where those aboard the Voyager had to endure. It becomes another moment in their long journey - as those who have watched this show and Voyager crew characters such as Harry Kim - can see those challenges as part of the series, while this show continuously seeks a pathway to get home, after having been displaced in a new sector of the galaxy - those viewers often appreciate that the show never truly strays from its central storyline as it attempts to find its way home. This makes these two-parter episodes crucial.

Who Was the Main Villain In "The Killing Game" ?

Harry Kim from Star Trek Voyager and the USS Voyager. Image

Star Trek Voyager has included a number of antagonists throughout the series as they seek to overcome a series of dangers, challenges and obstacles - particularly after they were thrust into an entirely new area of the universe - as Voyager , along with the Voyager crew had to face numerous threats from the vast expanse of the galaxy, with some being the product of their own ship - but this show also served as a test for those that could be called allies - especially in those instances, they did face those who sought to cause harm and, ultimately, had an objective - often centered around confronting their creators.

The villains of the Star Trek Voyager episode - "The Killing Game, Parts 1&2", was the Hirogen - a highly advanced species that had a unique view on reality - their philosophy centered around hunting and fighting to test their limits. In many instances, it brought about those elements that were shown in a more terrifying light. Their quest to hunt, kill, and create these elaborate and often deadly scenarios, with an ultimate goal to prove that their race is the superior - often put the Voyager in a vulnerable and intense position.

Are There Any Episodes Related To Harry Kim?

Star Trek Voyager Poster Image

While Harry Kim is part of the Voyager crew as well as those fans that have come to love this particular ship and the Voyager crew members such as Harry Kim, who appears throughout the entire series, the show's creators recognized a distinct path that needed to take shape as his story unfolded.

It wasn’t until they introduced a Timeless episode , where we were introduced to an older Harry Kim , one whose story was centered around the hardships he endured and the dark side of this character that emerged - that the series’ writers seemed to acknowledge Harry as more than a character, but someone with a real depth - someone whose character deserved to be fleshed out with greater attention. They found that he could carry the narrative of the show.

Where Can I Watch "The Killing Game?"

image (3) Image

As Star Trek Voyager is considered a beloved classic, it has now been included with the collection of Star Trek , with each series having been made available through streaming and other entertainment providers such as Netflix. Fans who are looking for that content will easily find a full array of Star Trek Voyager episodes .

If The Killing Game has captured your attention - the Voyager crew as a whole, and those individual episodes that are filled with suspense and drama - are all easily available - as many fans recognize the series’s power to explore its lore. Even those who enjoy the darker, gritty storylines are likely to love this production. Those who seek out this series will likely love to see Harry Kim.

Who Was Harry Kim's Main Relationship On Star Trek Voyager?

Logo-Apple TV (1) Image

As Harry Kim had to contend with several challenges - while navigating a universe that was completely unknown - viewers may be curious as to what kind of relationships formed for Harry Kim on Voyager, who did he connect with - as a means to establish who might have played an essential part to his character development and who might have provided some semblance of support throughout his challenging journey.

Throughout the course of Star Trek Voyager's storylines viewers can often notice a range of individuals and friends (Voyager Crew) who would help make that transition into a new realm - with new enemies - possible and help them to navigate. There is often a series of instances where the Voyager crew will rally around Harry Kim - showing those relationships are paramount in ensuring he doesn't get completely side-tracked in terms of the Jedi Order's values - which was always a critical part to his personality. Some might point out the dynamic with those characters, like Seven of Nine and Tom Paris. As those relationships grow and change throughout the course of the series they may even have the potential to become something more.

Related Articles